More than 150 years of Van der Valk
From family business to international hotel brand
About Van der Valk
About Van der Valk
Learn all about
Van der Valk has been a family business for more than 150 years, with hospitality at its core. What began as a modest catering establishment grew into an international hotel brand with dozens of hotels, restaurants, and conference locations. Behind every location lies a rich history, an entrepreneurial family, and a shared passion for hospitality.
History
The story behind Van der Valk
What began as a farm with a café expanded into a hotel chain where both guests and employees feel at home. That warm family atmosphere continues to thrive in special traditions, such as the famous phrase: "There's a living room on the hatch!", a reminder of the time when employees dined together with the family in the hotel's living room.
Van der Valk today
Keeping up with the times
Today, Van der Valk includes a wide range of hotels and catering locations both domestically and internationally. Guests can enjoy comfortable stays, culinary experiences, business meetings, and special events. Whether you're traveling for work, relaxation, or a weekend getaway, Van der Valk offers locations for a variety of desires and occasions.
Building for the future
Hotels under construction
Time does not stand still. Van der Valk continues to build for the future. Existing hotels are regularly renovated and/or expanded or completely new hotels are built, so that we can welcome you at even more locations in the near future. We keep up with the times, with the familiar Van der Valk touch.
Frequently asked questions about Van der Valk
Frequently asked questions about Van der Valk
How did Van der Valk originate?
The history of Van der Valk begins in 1862, when the couple Martinus van der Valk and Rie van der Valk opened an inn in Voorschoten. What started as a small-scale hospitality business grew over the years into a family company where hospitality, entrepreneurship, and quality were central. Thanks to the efforts of successive generations, Van der Valk further expanded with restaurants, roadside restaurants, and later also hotels.
Is Van der Valk a family business?
Yes, Van der Valk is a family business that has been led by the Van der Valk family for generations. Since its founding in the nineteenth century, various generations have contributed to the growth of the brand, with hospitality and entrepreneurship remaining central.
How many years has Van der Valk existed?
Van der Valk has a history of over 160 years. Since its founding, the family business has developed from a local hospitality business into an international hotel brand.
What is Van der Valk known for?
Van der Valk is known for comfortable hotels, spacious rooms, good restaurants, and a hospitable welcome. In addition, the brand offers facilities for business meetings, wellness, events, and complete hotel packages.
Why is there a toucan in the Van der Valk logo?
The choice for the toucan logo arose after the purchase of Avifauna Bird Park. The family was looking for a recognizable trademark that would connect all the hotels. A bird of prey was less suited to the hospitable character of the family business and also evoked unwanted associations with the post-war period.
The logo has grown into one of the most recognized brand icons within Dutch hospitality and is now associated with hospitality, quality, and reliable service.
What is Valk.com?
Van der Valk is divided into two groups: Valk Exclusief and Van der Valk Hotel Group, which come together on the Valk.com website. At Valk.com, you will find the complete offering of more than 100 Van der Valk Hotels & Restaurants domestically and internationally.
What is the difference between Valk Exclusief and Van der Valk Hotel Group?
Van der Valk is divided into two groups: Valk Exclusief and Van der Valk Hotel Group, which come together on the Valk.com website. Valk Exclusief consists of 46 hotels in the Netherlands and Germany. Van der Valk Hotel Group consists of 75 hotels in the Benelux, Germany, France, Spain, and the Caribbean. However, at all Van der Valk hotels, you will experience the same hospitable atmosphere.